Redwood Valley Wine

The Redwood Valley AVA is a subregion of Mendocino in California’s North Coast. The region benefits from higher ridges and cooler temperatures than other parts of Mendocino, with the picturesque Russian River running through it. It also has its own distinct soil types, characterized by intense red color, alluvial clay and loam. All of these features make it an ideal location for grape-growing, allowing for a long growing season and desirable balance in the wines.

Early settlers first began to plant vineyards in the 1870s. By the end of the century, the wines had garnered a significant reputation and had attracted many wine-makers. Unfortunately, as with most nearby regions, Phylloxera and the Prohibition presented a double-whammy effect that forced many wineries to shut down and pursue other crops.

The Lolonis family was one of the first to emerge from this period to replant and redirect wine production, and by the 1950s, more than 4000 acres of land were devoted to vineyards Read more »

The Redwood Valley AVA is a subregion of Mendocino in California’s North Coast. The region benefits from higher ridges and cooler temperatures than other parts of Mendocino, with the picturesque Russian River running through it. It also has its own distinct soil types, characterized by intense red color, alluvial clay and loam. All of these features make it an ideal location for grape-growing, allowing for a long growing season and desirable balance in the wines.

Early settlers first began to plant vineyards in the 1870s. By the end of the century, the wines had garnered a significant reputation and had attracted many wine-makers. Unfortunately, as with most nearby regions, Phylloxera and the Prohibition presented a double-whammy effect that forced many wineries to shut down and pursue other crops.

The Lolonis family was one of the first to emerge from this period to replant and redirect wine production, and by the 1950s, more than 4000 acres of land were devoted to vineyards. In 1968, the Fetzer family arrived and established their highly successful operation, with many others to follow. The Redwood Valley was eventually awarded AVA status in 1996.

Many varietals are grown in the area including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Petit Syrah and Zinfandel, with emerging grapes such as Sangiovese and Carignan. ~Amanda Schuster

Jammy, blackberry fruit smells a bit wild and sharp on the nose, with obvious wood toast and vanilla accents. This is surprisingly bright in the mouth with an early rush of lovely briary, brambly, classic Zin berry fruit. The oak is obvious but well ju...

The first sniff left no doubt that this was a big, bold and robust cab. In the nose and on the pallet, plum peels, blackberry, black currant, cigar box and hints of tar and vanilla. This is a full bodied wine with vigorous tannins, bright acidity, lots...

“Rib roast has always seemed Dickensian to me,” says Roy Finamore. “I have this image of a bandy-legged dog trotting in some kind of wheeled contraption to turn the spit, and the fire flaring as th... Read more »

Sometimes tradition needs a little shaking up, so in this dish we’ve combined parsley, black olives, walnuts, and goat cheese (ingredients more common in French cooking than Italian) to make a quic... Read more »

Very fruit forward with strong acidity and a tanninless finish. Ripest barbera I have ever drank. Over the top.
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Wine review
by
RandyFisher

August 2016

Here's a lot of redwood housing a cellar in the middle of the redwoods. Mill Valley. Gorgeous house, but not sure why they went this route on the wine storage. Once again an architect who doesn't really understand wine is the surmise. Lots of electricity required to keep the wine safe. Cool environment, though, have to admit.
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This is a super value Pinot Gris at under $10, you can't miss this one! Clear, with yellow tinges and even slight grey tones. The aromas are clean, crisp and slightly acidic, with dominant pear, apple and apricot pits. The flavors follow suit, with well rounded acidity on the palate, and robust pear and apple making up the flavor profile. Just s...
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This is a super value Pinot Gris at under $10, you can't miss this one! Clear, with yellow tinges and even slight grey tones. The aromas are clean, crisp and slightly acidic, with dominant pear, apple and apricot pits. The flavors follow suit, with well rounded acidity on the palate, and robust pear and apple making up the flavor profile. Ju...
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Wine review
by
chriscage

April 2016

Looking forward to trying these wines. Pick-up is May 1st. Joel going back to his roots and old school production methods for these small lot wines. The EssentialsFor this first release, Once & Future wines will be sold on a first come, first served basis. We have no idea what the demand might be for these wines, but the volumes are small tha...
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